Introduction: Haroon Laher, SARIPA Vice-Chair

Moderator: Robyn Christie
Thought leader & advisor to the travel industry

Panelists:

• Arnold Forman, The Houghton Hotel
• Phakamile Hlazo, Founder of Zulu Nomad
• Lee-Anne Bac, Advisory Services, BDO
• Marc Wachsberger, The Capital Hotels

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the global tourism industry contributed $9.2 trillion, or 10.4%, to global GDP. It was the fastest-growing industry accounting for one in four new jobs globally.

Foreign arrivals in South Africa dropped by 71% from 15.8 million in 2019 to less than 5 million in 2020. Hotels, restaurants and tourist resorts went on life support, surviving on state-funded assistance.

With lockdown restrictions easing, are there any signs of resurrection in travel & tourism, and a heightened contribution to our country’s GDP?

Sincere thanks to Engaged Business Turnaround for their sponsorship.